Stoudemire doesn't sweat the rumors

February 16, 2009|By K.C. Johnson Chicago Tribune

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns play at home Tuesday, the NBA trading deadline is Thursday, and even the roar that greeted Amare Stoudemire during Sunday's player introductions couldn't drown out the rumors surrounding the four-time All-Star.

"If my last home game is the All-Star starter here, that will be a great way to go out," Stoudemire said. "I turn every negative into a positive."

The Arizona Republic reported Sunday that Suns assistant Alvin Gentry would replace Terry Porter as coach at today's practice, and the growing sense is that Phoenix will keep Stoudemire.

The Chicago Bulls, meanwhile, continue to debate the pros and cons of Stoudemire. According to league sources, they also are monitoring the Clippers' situation to see if Chris Kaman or Marcus Camby can be pried loose.

Beasley does it

East starting guard Dwyane Wade offered a strong endorsement of rookie Heat forward Michael Beasley, who had been mentioned in Stoudemire trade talks before the Heat sent Shawn Marion to Toronto for Jermaine O'Neal.

"He is the future of our team," Wade said. "This will give him more opportunity to showcase his talent. He's 20 with an unbelievable upside."

Many memories

Phil Jackson served as head coach for his fourth All-Star Game and called Magic Johnson's dominant 1992 game, played three months after Johnson's announcement he had HIV, one of his greatest memories. Another?

"[Michael Jordan] pulling the pants off one of the players being introduced," Jackson said. "That was the best."

Say what

Question of the weekend had to go to the query Pistons guard Allen Iverson fielded: Do you think you're going to heaven or hell?

"I have done a lot of good things in my life, and I have done a lot of bad things in my life," Iverson said. "I don't know. I hope the good things I have done outweighs it because I'm damn sure don't want to go to hell."

And you are?

Even with Rashard Lewis making his second All-Star appearance, the Magic forward said a lack of being viewed among the league's elite drives him. "I'm definitely happy to be here, but I obviously still fly under the radar a little bit," he said. "It kind of keeps the fire burning and keeps me playing at a high level because there is always something you have to prove."

Lewis said playing in the game never gets old.

"It's a good feeling just to be in the locker room with the best players in the NBA," he said. "It's fun seeing the personalities off the court, too. That's the best part about it."